Pakistani actresses eye Bollywood

Pakistani actors may still be reluctant about pursuing their luck in Bollywood, but their female counterparts are scripting a different trend altogether.

For instance, Meeta Shafi, Humaima Malik, Sarah Loren, Mehreen Syed, Saeeda Imtiaz and TV chat show host Mathira are making serious progress in their pursuit of a big Bollywood break. While these actresses are still to find a foothold in Bollywood, Veena Malik, who was invited to be part of a reality show, has found her niche in the industry. Meera, who was probably one of the first Pak actress to act in Bollywood with Soni Razdan's Nazar (2005), continues to work here.

Says Pakistani filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal, who made her directorial debut with Josh, "Given the current lack of film production in Pakistan, it is natural for actresses to seek opportunities in India. Art and artistes play a positive role in Indian society; they are more valued in India than Pakistan. It is but natural to seek that kind of validation."

Says director Mahesh Bhatt, "Mumbai is the Los Angeles of the East. It is the second entertainment capital of the world. If Yana, who hails from Eastern Europe, can use Bollywood to pole vault herself to fame, it's natural for aspirants from the SAARC countries to do so. The girls from Pakistan speak chaste Urdu and are, therefore, looked upon as an asset. Our cultural DNA is the same."